TRIBUTE has been paid to a "friendly" Bournemouth builder whose disabilities "could not stop him" who died at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Leslie Thomas Powell, 76, died at the beginning of lockdown on March 26th, 2020, unable to beat the pneumonia virus.

He was a self-employed builder who had a nasty accident at the age of 30, which resulted in him undergoing five hip replacements. 

His beloved wife, Jean said: "Leslie continued building extensions, sun lounges and other building projects, despite his disabilities. In his later life Les continued to work up ladders and scaffolding - nothing seemed to stop him!"

Leslie Powell born in Bridport on February 19th, 1944 and attended a convent school.

Jean said: "Les was a friendly man who enjoyed his work. He kept collie dogs who became his best pals. Leslie loved his family, his garden and the birds and his tools. He would take a piece of wood and make his grandchildren toys and memories from his tool shed. He believed family was important and he loved his role as a husband, a father, a brother, a grandfather, an uncle and a brother in law.

"Les died at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and was unable to beat the pneumonia virus due to his health history. Leslie was a much-loved man and will be sorely missed by all his family and his friends and he will be leaving a big gap in their family."

A funeral was held at Poole Crematorium on April 16th, 2020